Store worker vs package handler

The differences between store workers and package handlers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a package handler has an average salary of $32,785, which is higher than the $26,528 average annual salary of a store worker.

The top three skills for a store worker include safety rules, strong work ethic and customer service. The most important skills for a package handler are warehouse environment, load trailers, and delivery truck.

Store worker vs package handler overview

	Store Worker	Package Handler
Yearly salary	$26,528	$32,785
Hourly rate	$12.75	$15.76
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	60,185	93,831
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 49%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	-	-

What does a store worker do?

A store worker maintains the daily material concerns of a store. They show hospitality to customers and provide assistance in finding products. They also maintain their store by stocking the shelves, maintaining organization, and cleaning. They may also be responsible for ringing up purchases.

What does a package handler do?

A package handler's primary duty is to place and load correct packages to delivery vehicles and review inventory upon shipments. Package handlers are responsible for analyzing product labels to make sure that the items are accurately processed. A package handler should also have basic knowledge on running warehouse equipment and loading tools to finish the task more efficiently. Package handlers must be able to communicate with other personnel for any concerns that might affect the parcel condition and customer's satisfaction.

Store worker vs package handler salary

Store workers and package handlers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Store Worker	Package Handler
Average salary	$26,528	$32,785
Salary range	Between $17,000 And $39,000	Between $26,000 And $41,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Saint Paul, MN
Highest paying state	Massachusetts	Minnesota
Best paying company	University of California, Berkeley	ALDI USA
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between store worker and package handler education

There are a few differences between a store worker and a package handler in terms of educational background:

	Store Worker	Package Handler
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 35%	High School Diploma, 49%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Store worker vs package handler demographics

Here are the differences between store workers' and package handlers' demographics:

	Store Worker	Package Handler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 59.3% Female, 40.7%	Male, 74.4% Female, 25.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 13.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.3% Asian, 5.9% White, 53.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 5.6% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between store worker and package handler duties and responsibilities

Store worker example responsibilities.

Utilize the POS system for accurate inventory.
Perform first-in, first-out (FIFO) procedures in merchandise storing coolers.
Use cardboard baler, electric hydraulic/hand-operate pallet jacks, weigh scale, POS.
Process debit, credit, checks, WIC, and food stamp transactions.
Ensure product are properly store using FIFO method to prevent loss to the government.
Reconcile cash, checks, money orders, WIC, ATM debits and credit card transactions.

Package handler example responsibilities.

Attach slings, ropes, or cables to objects such as pipes, hoses, or bundles.
Read GPS maps for your driving directions.
Operate sit down forklift for loading, unloading and running material.
License to operate MHE (forklifts, tractors, etc . )
Load grind and air shipments onto designate trailers using sit down forklift.
Conduct post inspections to ensure guard force personnel proficiency and level of alertness.

Store worker vs package handler skills

Common store worker skills

Safety Rules, 17%
Strong Work Ethic, 17%
Customer Service, 16%
Stock Shelves, 12%
Basic Math, 9%
Commissary, 5%

Common package handler skills

Warehouse Environment, 25%
Load Trailers, 10%
Delivery Truck, 9%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Load Packages, 8%
Load Trucks, 7%

Store Worker vs. similar jobs

Store Worker related careers

Store Worker related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Store Worker
Store Worker vs Package Handler

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs